By Constance Thum, Contributing Writer
Sex trafficking is an important issue that threatens, arguably, the most fundamental rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, which are vital to every human’s well-being. While many proclaim that they would fight for others' rights when injustices are committed, they often take those rights for granted themselves. In fact, greater freedoms and material comforts have unintentionally bred complacency toward egregious acts that violate the very beliefs that many hold dear to their hearts.
A society that sincerely values human rights must address sex trafficking problems so all humans may possess equal, inalienable rights. You may be asking yourself, what can I do to stop the proliferation of trafficking cases? The No. 1 thing you can do is donate to and volunteer for an organization that has the knowledge and know-how to make a dent in the trafficking “industry.”
And if you’re wondering what these organizations do, here are four different actions they take.
No. 1: Collaborating with law enforcement
At local and national levels, organizations partner with law enforcement to monitor vulnerable communities. They may also offer information to assist with search and rescue operations and the identification of suspected trafficking sites or traffickers. Likewise, American organizations may work with Interpol and law enforcement agencies from other countries to improve the response to transnational trafficking. For example, United Way Worldwide, which is based in the U.S., announced a collaboration with Nigeria’s National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to manage trafficking that is endemic in Africa. Sex trafficking is rarely confined within national borders, and the smuggling and transference of victims across borders require a collaborative effort on an international scale.
Some organizations partner with law enforcement to ensure trafficking cases are handled delicately to minimize the harm done to the victims. They may guide officers on interviewing techniques sensitive to the needs and emotional states of victims and on creating safe, respectful environments. Overall, cooperation with law enforcement is useful in intervening in trafficking cases, especially for global cases.
No. 2: Advocating through policy
Organizations influence the legal and justice system through advocacy work, ensuring that anti-trafficking laws are passed and that traffickers are duly prosecuted. The legal and justice systems’ functions are to protect individual rights and maintain social stability. While laws and regulations about trafficking do exist, they mostly pertain to soft laws that emphasize principles and human rights, so many organizations push for harsher international laws with precise language to hold countries accountable for their commitments to anti-trafficking efforts. Harsher penalties also serve as a deterrent for potential traffickers and prevent future cases.
No. 3: Educating youth and vulnerable populations
Organizations work with school districts and school boards to offer training courses for teachers and educational programs for students. Since children may be in direct contact with traffickers and predators, educational programs that help them understand the dangers of trafficking and recognize warning signs early are crucial. Project Concern International, a global development NGO based in San Diego, started a range of after-school programs that work with local school districts to educate youths on recognizing exploitation and violence. Some organizations may provide support mechanisms like hotlines for students and teachers to phone in to if they suspect instances of abuse and exploitation.
Similarly, organizations may cooperate with local communities to minimize exploitation of vulnerable individuals. Raising public awareness is key to preventing sex trafficking. Neighborhood seminars teach individuals how to better protect themselves against exploitation and how to assist others should they face a similar situation.
No. 4: Partnering with other nonprofits or NGOs
Finally, many organizations partner together to provide myriad services that ensure better protection and rehabilitation of trafficked victims. To protect potential victims, nonprofits or NGOs that specialize in trafficking may share information regarding traffickers and victims (with full consent) to form a comprehensive database that may be useful to law enforcement. In the case of rehabilitation, organizations that mainly provide shelter and accommodation may work with those that focus on returning victims to their home countries, those that offer counseling services and even those that provide legal aid.
If you want to learn more and do your part to raise funds for children ages 8-18 rescued from sex trafficking, volunteer to be a Child Ambassador for One Bread Foundation. We need Child Ambassadors who are willing to share our newsletter, blogs and social media posts with their networks and keep an eye out for resources and collaboration opportunities in their own communities. If you’re interested in becoming a Child Ambassador or want to learn more, please contact David P. Bernal at info@one-bread.org.
Sources and Further Reading
US-based NGO partners with NAPTIP to understudy human trafficking